May 17, 2013: The stage times have been released for the 35 acts playing Stag & Dagger across seven Glasgow venues on May 18.
Franz Ferdinand’s fourth album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action will be released on August 26 – check out this brief trailer.
Frightened Rabbit recorded a cover of Best Coast’s The Only Place for Australian radio show Triple J. The band release their Late March, Death March EP on June 2.
The Mouse That Ate The Cat song When I Wake Up is available for free in exchange for your email address.
The title track of Adam Stafford’s forthcoming second album Imaginary Walls Collapse is streaming here.
May 16, 2013: The Discopolis remix of Bwani Junction single Civil War is available to download for free from SoundCloud.
Born To Be Wide’s next seminar at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on May 30 is on the topic of goNORTH, with a panel featuring broadcaster Vic Galloway, goNORTH duo Amanda Millen and Alex Smith and Chasing Owls frontman Ben Sunderland explaining how musicians and delegates can get the most out of the annual Inverness convention. Tickets are free.
AC/DC have backed a campaign to erect a bronze statue of their former frontman Bon Scott in his hometown of Kirriemuir in Angus. Community music group DD8 Music hope to raise £50,000 via Kickstarter by June 5.
Kite And The Crane’s debut EP, Found In The End, is out on Bandcamp.
May 15, 2013: Biffy Clyro have a video for their new single Opposite.
The View are playing a one-off show at Glasgow’s King Tut’s on June 12 for the Sunday Mail Centenary Fund.
Adam Stafford is launching his second album Imaginary Walls Collapse with a gig at Glasgow’s Glad Cafe on July 5 with support from Siobhan Wilson and Robbie Lesiuk.
May 14, 2013: The Wee Chill will mark its 10th anniversary with a two-stage bill at Glasgow’s SWG3 on June 29 for the West End Festival. The line-up features Malcolm Middleton, James Yorkston with Sparrow & The Workshop (collaborative debut), Aidan Moffat (spoken word), Three Blind Wolves, Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire, Miaoux Miaoux, Fake Major.
Tommy Perman, who recently left FOUND, has unveiled his new solo project ComputerScheisse – check out These Beautiful Minds, the title track of his debut EP, out on July 15 through Phuturelabs.
RockNess have announced more acts for the festival on June 7-9 including Fenech-Soler, Fatherson, Public Service Broadcasting, The Boy Who Trapped The Sun, Niteworks and Jemma Tweedie.
Too Many Fireworks Records will donate all profits from sales of Variations Of Chopin, an album of contemporary interpretations of the composer’s music, to the fundraising campaign for drummer Robbie Cooper, whose cancer fight was documented on The Pop Cop.
May 13, 2013: New releases out now include Young Aviators’ debut album Self Help, Eagleowl’s debut album This Silent Year, and Cherri Fosphate’s new Burning Youth EP.
May 10, 2013: The live schedule for goNORTH in Inverness on June 5-6 has been unveiled – it includes a Scottish Bloggers Showcase hosted by The Pop Cop, Peenko and Song, by Toad featuring a four-band bill of Garden Of Elks, Friends In America, The Yawns and Flutes.
May 9, 2013: The documentary Hunting For Remoteness details The Magnetic North’s visit to Orkney – where frontman Erland Cooper is from – for the making of their debut album. It will be released on June 24 alongside a reissue of that record, Orkney: Symphony Of The Magnetic North. You can watch the trailer here.
Alphabetical Order Orchestra are streaming their first song, The Architect. The band is made up of My Latest Novel members Chris Deveney, Gary Deveney and Ryan King.
A Band Called Quinn have launched a crowdfunding campaign to support performances of their multimedia show Biding Time (remix) at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
May 8, 2013: Three Blind Wolves have released their new album, Sing Hallelujah For The Old Machine.
May 7, 2013: Adam Stafford’s new single Please is streaming online – it’s taken from his second album Imaginary Walls Collapse, out in July.
May 6, 2013: The T in the Park Roadshow is bringing free live music to Scottish towns this month – it stops at Glasgow today for The View at Kelvingrove Park (1pm) and Buchanan Street (3.30pm); Edinburgh on May 10 for Vigo Thieves at Queen Margaret University’s Student Union (noon), Dundee on May 11 for The LaFontaines at Overgate Centre (noon); Aberdeen on May 12 for Sienna at Aberdeen University (noon); and Ayr on May 18 for The Redettes at Ayr Railway Station (noon).
Fake Major have a video for Fiction, a song on their Have Plenty Of Fun EP. Fellow Comets & Cartwheels artist Finn LeMarinel has a new video for Garden, taken from his debut album Violence.
Capitals have released a sampler of all the tracks on their debut album A National Service, out on June 3.
May 3, 2013: Episode 11 of BBC ALBA’s Rapal music TV programme is on iPlayer and features Cara Mitchell, Brown Bear & The Bandits, Three Blind Wolves and Anna Sweeney.
Steve Mason has accused Samsung of plagiarising the video for The Beta Band’s 2004 single Assessment for their new television advert. Both show historical figures running down a beach and helicopters circling overhead.
May 2, 2013: Young Aviators’ debut album Self Help is streaming on Electric Honey’s SoundCloud ahead of its release on May 13.
May 1, 2013: Travis have a video for Where You Stand, the first single and title track of the band’s seventh album, out on August 19.
Fake Major’s debut EP, Have Plenty Of Fun, is available for download.
My Latest Novel have gone on hiatus, with three of the members forming Alphabetical Order Orchestra - look out for music from them next week.
Kobi Onyame has a video for his new single The Real Part 2.
Trapped In Kansas have unveiled new song Collapse Rebuild.
Rob St John’s new AA single Charcoal Black And The Bonny Grey/Shallow Brown is out now.
April 30, 2013: Boards Of Canada will release Tomorrow’s Harvest, their first new album in eight years, on June 10.
Quickbeam song Immersed is available to download for free from DIY – you can also listen to snippets from every track of the band’s self-titled debut album, out on June 3.
Discopolis have unveiled the video for their new song Falling (Committed To Sparkle Motion), out on May 5.
April 29, 2013: The SAY Award will stream each of the 20 longlisted albums for 24 hours through their app, starting today with Miaoux Miaoux’s Light Of The North. You can read The Pop Cop’s feature here.
Panda Su’s new song MAPS is available to buy now on Amazon, while Bwani Junction’s new single Civil War is on iTunes.
The Boy Who Trapped The Sun has a video for new song California ahead of his May tour in Scotland.
The Pastels have a video for Check My Heart, taken from their forthcoming new album Slow Summits, out on May 27.
Frank Turner covered Frightened Rabbit’s The Modern Leper for Jim Gellatly’s In:Demand Uncut session.
April 27, 2013: Episode 10 of BBC ALBA’s Rapal music TV programme is on iPlayer and features two fantastic unreleased songs by Beerjacket as well as The Holy Ghosts, The Merrylees and Ray McCartney.
Travis, Johnny Marr, Hurts, James Skelly, Jack Savoretti, Willy Mason, Foy Vance, Steve Mason, Milo Greene and DIIV have been added to the T in the Park line-up, which has now been separated into day-by-day splits.
Edinburgh venue The Forest Cafe, which has been banned from hosting live music due to council restrictions, are looking for acts to play their new monthly event, the Forest Big Night Out at Old St Paul’s, which launches on May 23. Email foresteventsedinburgh@gmail.com for details.
April 26, 2013: The Burns an’ a’ that! Festival will feature live music as part of Weekend in the Park at Ayr’s Belleisle Park on May 25-26. Rose Parade, Little Fire, Pronto Mama and The Bluebells are among the free acts; Justin Currie + Rachel Sermanni play a ticketed gig on May 26.
Other newly-announced concerts on sale include Lana Del Rey + Kassidy at Glasgow’s SECC on May 16 (replacing her two dates at the Academy on May 15/16) Bombay Bicycle Club at Edinburgh’s Liquid Room on June 7, Belle & Sebastian at Inverness’ Ironworks on July 1, We Are Scientists at Glasgow’s Oran Mor on July 29, Kid Canaveral + Ballboy at Edinburgh’s Liquid Room on August 10.
Kid Canaveral + The Last Battle + Adam Ross (Randolph’s Leap) also play a free show at Edinburgh’s Caves on May 23 with 300 tickets on the door on a first come, first served basis as part of a Dewar’s event.
April 25, 2013: Seasick Steve, The Pigeon Detectives, Julie Fowlis, Meursault, Washington Irving, PAWS and The LaFontaines have been added to the Belladrum Festival line-up on August 2-3.
Washington Irving have released Palomides Volume 1, the first half of their debut album.
The View are streaming Kill Kyle, one of two new songs on their compilation album Seven Year Setlist, out on June 17.
April 24, 2013: The showcase list of artists picked to play goNORTH in Inverness on June 5-6 has been announced. For the third consecutive year there will be a bloggers’ showcase stage hosted by The Pop Cop, Peenko and Song, by Toad. More details to follow soon.
Kilmarnock’s Dirty Weekender will feature 45 acts over three venues on May 31 to June 2 including Fridge Magnets, Bwani Junction, The Ok Social Club, Ross Leighton (Fatherson) and Chris Helme.
Poor Things’ new single Morgan is free to download – it’s taken from their Hurricane Poor Things EP, out on June 10.
Similarly, Cherri Fosphate are giving away Wool from their Burning Youth EP, out on May 11.
April 23, 2013: Glasvegas will play Aberdeen’s Garage on June 27, Edinburgh’s Liquid Room on June 28 and Glasgow’s ABC on June 29.
Reverieme’s second album With Up So Floating is out now.
Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire have announced they will release their self-titled new album through Middle Of Nowhere Records in July.
Herculean have a video for Red Weather, taken from The Falling Thunder EP, out on June 7.
April 22, 2013: Stag & Dagger have added Phosphorescent, Rachel Sermanni, Randolph’s Leap, French Wives, Fake Major, Prides, Chris Devotion & The Expectations and Donald Macdonald & The Islands to the Glasgow festival’s line-up on May 18.
Episode 9 of BBC ALBA’s Rapal music TV programme is on iPlayer and features Brown Bear & The Bandits, Cara Mitchell, The Open Day Rotation and John Wean.
Texas have unveiled a video for The Conversation, the title track from their first album in eight years, out on May 20.
Bronagh & The Boys have released their debut single Green, taken from A Young Heart EP, out on May 19.
April 19, 2013: Kassidy’s Barrie-James O’Neill and his girlfriend Lana Del Rey have recorded a cover of Summer Wine (made famous by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood), backed with a video featuring handheld footage of the pair in Los Angeles.
My Bloody Valentine, Trash Talk, Fidlar and The VirginMarys have been added to the T in the Park line-up.
April 18, 2013: Pre-sale tickets are available for Regina Spektor at Glasgow’s Academy on August 20 and Kings Of Leon at the ciry’s Bellahouston Park on August 15, the latter being part of the Glasgow Summer Sessions.
The Mirror Trap have unveiled a video for Westminster Ghost Story, the first track to be taken from their second album Stay Young, due out this autumn.
April 17, 2013: Midnight Lion have changed their name to Prides and expanded to a trio with the addition of Kitty The Lion’s Callum Wiseman on guitar and vocals. To coincide with the announcement, they have unveiled wonderfully addictive new song Out Of The Blue.
T in the Park have added Local Natives, Lucy Rose, Swim Deep, Theme Park, Lewis Watson and Sons & Lovers to the festival on July 12-14.
April 16, 2013: Doune The Rabbit Hole have announced that this year’s festival will take place at the new location of Cardross Estate at Port of Menteith in Stirlingshire on August 22-25. The line-up features Clinic, Meursault, Rachel Sermanni, Alasdair Roberts, Washington Irving, The Pastels, PAWS, Beerjacket, Rick Redbeard, We Are The Physics, Randolph’s Leap, Siobhan Wilson, Panda Su, Shambles Miller, Jo Mango and TeenCanteen. See here for full day-by-day splits.
April 15, 2013: James and Twin Atlantic will headline the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on August 2-3. Other acts on the bill include Admiral Fallow, Fatherson, Rick Redbeard, Noisettes, The Horrors and King Charles.
April 13, 2013: Edinburgh’s live music scene has suffered yet another setback with Forest Cafe having its live music licence reviewed, causing the immediate postponement of gigs there, starting with the Solas Showcase scheduled for today.
Newsnight Scotland featured a report on the music industry on April 10, prompted by the Wide Days convention in Edinburgh. Watch the segment on BBC iPlayer, with contributions from Stanley Odd’s Dave Hook, Plum’s Shona Maguire, Chemikal Underground’s Stewart Henderson, Wide Days organiser Olaf Furniss and journalist Nicola Meighan. The interviews were conducted by Galleries drummer Andrew Black.
April 12, 2013: Episode 8 of BBC ALBA’s Rapal music TV programme is on iPlayer and features Niteworks, The Holy Ghosts, Miaoux Miaoux and The Merrylees.
Eagleowl have unveiled Not Over, the first offering from debut album This Silent Year, which will come out through Fence Records on May 13.
Dear Lara, aka David Lan, has released his debut EP Plans as a free download.
April 11, 2013: Capitals’ debut album A National Service will come out on June 3, with those who pre-order it (from just £5) getting an immediate download of any of the record’s 11 tracks, one of which is Reliever.
The View will release singles compilation Seven Year Setlist on June 17 – the album features two new songs, Dirty Magazine and Kill Kyle.
Several Scottish acts have posted tracks from forthcoming new albums – check out Washington Irving – Wandering Wits, United Fruit – Taste I Can’t Give Up and Hector Bizerk – Orchestrated Madness.
April 10, 2013: Promoters Cry Parrot will host their 6th Birthday Party at Glasgow’s Glue Factory on April 26 with a gig featuring Sacred Paws, Hector Bizerk, Tut Vu Vu, Ultimate Thrush, Ela Orleans and Sad City.
Three Blind Wolves are previewing Slow Summer Deer, taken from their Sing Hallelujah For The Old Machine album, released on May 6.
Where We Lay Our Heads single Keanu Leaves is out now.
Great Cop are giving away new song Stop Hiding as a free download.
April 9, 2013: Mogwai guitarist John Cummings uploaded a photo of himself at Glasgow’s George Square yesterday where more than 300 people gathered, inspired by his band’s 2011 song George Square Thatcher Death Party.
Hi-Arts, which promotes arts in the Highlands and Islands, has issued notices of redundancies to all 10 of its staff in the wake of funding cuts.
April 8, 2013: Fridge Magnets will play a ‘silent gig’ at a secret outdoor location in Glasgow on May 15 (6pm) – tickets can be won through organisers Deezer. The band will perform inside a mobile perspex box with the 300-capacity audience able to hear them through headphones.
Kassidy have released new mini-album People Like Me.
April 7, 2013: Song Of Return have launched their Singles Club project on Bandcamp through which they’ll be selling unreleased tracks. Month 1 contains Torn Between The Tides (see video) and Enough.
Cairn String Quartet, who were profiled on The Pop Cop in March, have unveiled their orchestral cover of Kid Canaveral’s Low Winter Sun.
Travis have made new song Another Guy available to download for free through their website. It also has a video.
April 6, 2013: The following 16 HMV and Fopp stores in Scotland will remain open following Hilco’s takeover – HMV: Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee, East Kilbride, Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh Princes St, Glasgow Argyle St, Glasgow Buchanan St, Glasgow Fort, Inverness, Livingston, Stirling; Fopp: Edinburgh; Glasgow Union St; Glasgow Byres Rd.
Bwani Junction have a video for new single Civil War, out on April 29.
Rachel Sermanni and Emma’s Imagination are among the acts playing the Kintyre Songwriters Festival in Campbeltown on May 24-26.
Quickbeam will launch their debut album with a gig at the disused Govanhill Baths in Glasgow on May 31. They will be supported by Fake Major whose debut Have Plenty Of Fun EP comes out on May 1.
April 5, 2013: Spotify director Mark Williamson will give the keynote speech at next week’s Wide Days event in Edinburgh as part of a session on the business of streaming. The full running order is here.
Episode 7 of BBC ALBA’s Rapal music TV programme is on iPlayer and features Anna Sweeney, Cara Mitchell, Discopolis and Paul McGranaghan.
Dot JR has uploaded new song Waterfalls to SoundCloud.
April 4, 2013: The Tiree Music Festival will take place in An Talla on July 20-21 with a bill that includes Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire, Washington Irving, The Youth And Young and Brown Bear & The Bandits.
Galleries’ fantastic new single Midnight Rush is out now.
Casual Sex have made a video for their debut single Stroh 80. They play Glasgow’s Nice ‘n’ Sleazy on April 5 and Oran Mor on April 7.
April 3, 2013: Comlongon Rocks have added a third day of live music to its line-up at Comlongon Castle in Dumfries & Galloway on May 17-19. The festival’s line-up features Three Blind Wolves, Emma’s Imagination, The OK Social Club and Saint Max.
Chem 19 are offering three days of free recording time to five Scottish acts through their Creative Scotland Demo Fund. To apply, musicians (under-25s only) should email a link to some demos and a bio to info@chem19.co.uk with the subject Chem19 Demo Fund Enquiry before April 26. Chosen acts will also take part in a live showcase.
Siobhan Wilson + Julia And The Doogans + Jo Mango will play Glasgow’s Roxy 171 on June 26 as part of the Scottish Fiction Presents: Aye Tunes vs Peenko night at the West End Festival.
April 2, 2013: Acts confirmed for The Insider Festival in Aviemore on June 21-23 include Rachel Sermanni, Karine Polwart, Hector Bizerk, Urstan, David Thomas Broughton, Miaoux Miaoux, Pete Roe, Jonnie Common, Adam Holmes And The Embers and Sparrow And The Workshop.
Up-and-coming acts can apply to play the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway on July 17-20 through their One Step Further competition which is open to musicians aged 18-25. To enter, artists need to email office@hebceltfest.com with the subject HebCelt New Talent Submissions and include links to three songs, a biog and high-res photo. Closing date is April 12.
April 1, 2013: Quickbeam’s self-titled debut album will be released through Comets & Cartwheels on June 3 – check out the video for lead track Immersed which will be available as a free download on April 29.
We Were Promised Jetpacks will headline the second night of the three-day Solas Festival in Perthshire on June 22.
Minor Delilah will be giving away copies of their new EP, Only Dust Can Hear You, to anyone who attends their launch gig at Glasgow’s Classic Grand on May 3.
06
Sep
The first (and hopefully last) Scottish New Music Awards
Let’s start with the name – the Scottish New Music Awards – and its mission to “promote the new music of Scotland”.
In the Artist of the Year category, two of the five nominees were 57-year-old Dougie MacLean and fellow veteran Dave Arcari, a relative spring chicken at 47. There was also Sandi Thom who, should you need reminding, hoodwinked the public into giving her 15 minutes of fame before said public escorted her to the exit. Here is an example of Sandi’s work. I’d be astonished if anyone has perpetrated more crimes against Scottish music since Tam Paton checked out.
Then there’s the online marketing of the event. Even the chancers of this world would at least try to polish a turd. One can only assume that the organisers of the Scottish New Music Awards ran out of Pledge. Why, oh why, would you willingly publish the following information on your official website as an introduction to the Industry nominations?
We have been busy trying to track down who some of the nominations are and unfortunately as the cut off date was Thursday March 31st some of the nominees were ineligible. Also, a lot of information was lacking when submissions were received and we were unable to accept such submissions as “that guy who does the sound at Whistle Binkies”
The website’s portrayal of what to expect ahead of last Sunday’s awards ceremony at the Classic Grand in Glasgow left it open to more ridicule:
The 2011 Scottish New Music Awards… will feature many new and unsigned acts as well as a guest list of celebrities from the global music industry. Some of the guests already confirmed include Nazareth, members of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, cast members from Still Game, former X-Factor winner Leon Jackson and many personalities from Radio and Television. Guaranteed to be a star studded event.
I realise Scotland isn’t exactly awash with famous people but for an event that the organisers had the brass neck to claim was “similar” to The Grammys and The Brits, is that really the best they could cobble together?
So on to the night itself. Deep breath.
I arrived at 7.15pm – a mere 15 minutes after the website said it was due to start – by which time the winners of THIRTEEN categories had already been announced, including The Skinny for Best Website/Online Publication, which The Pop Cop had been nominated in.
I have an odd tale about this.
I first found out The Pop Cop had been nominated on April 1st (no joke) through a Facebook message from Myke Hall, a member of Edinburgh band Scrap Brain. Here’s how the conversation went…
So, having made them aware that I did not want my blog to be on the shortlist, the organisers included it anyway, for reasons that are still unknown to me.
Nevertheless, I thought that being nominated against my wishes might come with the perk of a complimentary ticket or two. Not so. A media pass to cover the event for the blog perhaps? Nope. In the end, I paid to get in and document this inaugural spectacle of, as a friend of mine put it, “deluded local tragic bands competing for a title that isn’t accurate or substantiated by any genuine status”. To be fair, I thought that was a wee bit harsh.
Despite my unfashionably late arrival, there were still another 14 Industry awards to stand through and, embarrassingly, about half of the winners were nowhere to be seen when their names were read out. Thus the scenario (which was being broadcast live on Celtic Music Radio) that unfolded went something like this:
“And the winner is… Berkeley 2.”
Awkward pause.
“And the winner is… Sound Sense.”
Awkward pause.
“And the winner is… ABC.”
Awkward pause.
“And the winner is… Barrowland Ballroom.”
Awkward pause.
“And the winner is… Dee Bahl (Biffy Clyro).”
Awkward pause… before an unidentified woman headed up to the stage, mumbled a few insincere words about Dee being sorry he couldn’t be there and walked off with the award.
“And the winner is… Chemikal Underground.”
Awkward pause.
The host was described on the SNMA website as “the one and only Edward Reid”. Now, I have a confession to make – I had never heard of Edward Reid. I decided to look him up on Wikipedia and the one and only entry with that name is of an Anglican bishop who died in 1938, which is a coincidence as that’s probably the last time punters would have found this guy’s act of sub-Butlins camp innuendo funny.
The guest presenters fared slightly better. Faced with no-show after no-show, The Wee Man’s comedy sidekick Bratchy was quick off the mark with his “this is like all my first dates” remark; When Leon Jackson (in a ‘dream team’ with Sandi Thom) announced the Songwriter of the Year winner as Alec Dalglish, it was followed by, you guessed it, an awkward pause, before Leon asked the audience, “Where is he?”. The audience replied: “Who is he?”; Comedian Sanjeev Kohli was easily the wittiest presenter, mocking Michelle McManus for not turning up then mocking Michael Buble impersonator Kevin Rodger for dedicating his Cover/Function Band of the Year award to his newborn son.
Among the other winners in the 13 Music categories were Sandi Thom for both Jazz/Blues Recording of the Year (“This means the world to me – I’m so proud to be recognised”) and Artist of the Year. Seriously, I’m not making this shit up! Urban Recording of the Year (which you can hear at the end of this post) went to my favourite hip-hop dude Werd alongside his pals Wardie Burns and Mog, while the hard-working Suspire won Alternative/Indie Record of the Year for their new single Salvation Sister.
In an evening of amateurishness, the biscuit was well and truly taken by the room’s faceless voiceover man who, with genuine panic, announced just after 8pm that the ceremony was running precisely one hour and 20 minutes ahead of schedule. Helpful suggestions made to the audience to drag out the night included “you might want to go to the bar” closely followed by “if any bands feel like getting up and playing, we’ve got hours and hours of radio time and award time to fill”. Class.
Rock band Metaltech then came on stage with their members sporting fantastic luminous, glow-in-the-dark orange accessories and make-up (I believe they were pre-booked rather than having, you know, spontaneously answered the voiceover man’s desperate appeal) and actually kept the crowd entertained for a bit.
That felt like a high of sorts to bow out on, so I made my way downstairs to the exit, thinking that there’s no way the rest of the night could have gotten any worse. And who did I see walking in? Michelle McManus.
The Industry winners were chosen by public vote, whereas the Music nominees went through a judging panel. Given how excruciating the ceremony was, I was keen to find out what that entailed, so I asked Lis – who runs Last Year’s Girl blog and was one of the 12 judges – if she would be willing to share her experience. Here’s what she said:
“I have no idea how they found these judges but, with the exception of Tom Russell from Rock Radio, I couldn’t tell you who any of them were. I am no stranger to old boys’ networks but I have never felt as uncomfortable or out of place in a room as I did in my life. Not only was I the only female on the judging panel but I’m pretty sure I was the only one in their 20s.
“Most of the guys there seemed to know, if not each other then at least Bruce Hotchkies, the organiser. They spent most of the time cracking jokes about the bands rather than actually listening to what was being played. There was one guy who I don’t think had even been invited but was a mate of Bruce’s, and he was the most disruptive. I thought to myself, ‘If you don’t give a crap about new music in Scotland then what exactly are you doing here?’
“We weren’t really given any guidance on what is was we were judging (e.g. production, lyrics) even though a couple of people asked. The judges were played a sample of the five tracks in each category apart from the function/cover band (if I hadn’t realised the whole thing was a sham before that point I would have done when I heard the godawful Lady Gaga impersonator) where we were shown a video montage. We were to rank each sample on a scale of one to five.
“I have never heard that amount of dross in my life and you should see the state of my inbox. My two ‘favourites’ were the rap act who rhymed ‘scud missile’ with ‘third nipple’ and the song that began ‘raze all the forests so I can wipe my arse’. By that stage I was ready to poke myself in the eye with my Sharpie.
“To be honest I went along with it because I know a lot of people were extremely cynical and I liked the idea that at least one blogger would actually be there. I like to give new ventures a chance, but it has to be an honest chance, which is why I have no issues about talking to you frankly now.”
I will leave you with some words of wisdom from SNMA director Bruce Hotchkies, taken from the official programme:
“The awards struck fear into a certain section of the movers and shakers in the music industry, and several legal letters arrived from several parties fearing I was about to destroy the old boy network that, sadly, exists in all industries across the world. You would have thought that I was about to expose all 33 steps in the Masonic Brotherhood, but let me not jest, there is a small group of people that feel they own the music industry in Scotland, many of you may be here tonight. If so, get a grip! There is room for all of us, but be warned, most dictatorships fall.”
All photos © The Pop Cop
Werd & Wardie Burns (Vagabonds) – A Declaration feat Mog
Metaltech – Wasted
69 Responses to “The first (and hopefully last) Scottish New Music Awards”
September 6th, 2011 at 08:52
So when can we expect your “SNMA nominated website” badge to go up on the site??
I’ve been getting (and ignoring) these emails for about a year now, the first of which, if I remember correctly, asked me to be a judge! Glad to see it turned out how I imagined it.
Good to see Leon back though…
September 6th, 2011 at 09:19
At last someone talking about the event who sounds like he was actually there. I have never been so embarrassed in my life for other people. The band i was with offered to do a short acoustic set to help out after that announcement- lady in charge of running order delighted and said she would come and find them. Stood next to her whilst i was talking to hr was the compere, the god awful Edward Reid (who gets off far too lightly in your review I reckon!) next thing we know he’s on stage karaokeing to Lady Gaga and Celo Green numbers. No one came to find us…
I was actually shocked at how bad this was. but as my friend said “Ha! At least you didn’t have to listen to it on the radio without the benefit of booze to numb the pain”
September 6th, 2011 at 09:48
Wow, I thought they were disorganised, but I didn’t realise it was such a clusterfuck. On the bright side, my new red hair is forever immortalised on The Pop Cop.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:08
Sandi Thom is crowing all over her facebook and official website about how fantastic it is to be so loved by her adoring fans who voted for her and how proud she is to be recognised by her peers…..The woman lives in cloud cuckoo land and uses every opportunity to big herself up!
September 6th, 2011 at 10:18
The whole night was a complete shambolic embarrassment – nothing about this night represented Scottish new music. What does Edward Reid know about Scottish new music? Nothing clearly as he couldn’t even be bothered to find out how to pronounce some of their names. Scotland and music in general should distance themselves from these awards – I don’t want us represented in this way.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:36
I was invited to be a judge too. I suppose if we’d all joined Lis in saying yes, maybe the results would have been less of a sham.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:02
I was there that evening and have to say it was very unorganised. I work in the wedding entertainment business and was there to support the tribute/cover band section. Think the comment made about the lady gaga impersonater is pretty unfair. I have seen her live and her show is fantastic. She works very hard as do the other acts who were in that category. To be fair, why shouldnt there be a category for these acts who are out singing and performing as a job?! They are scottish and talented. X
September 6th, 2011 at 11:25
Because the were supposed to be awards for ‘new music’. Being a cover band or a tribute artists is the opposite of new music.
This whole event is clearly a fraud designed to make someone money out of the egos of bands. Did you have to pay to be considered for nomination? Or do you only have to pay on the door? It wouldn’t be too hard to get some coverage for this.
I mean surely when you see…
“Some of the guests already confirmed include Nazareth, members of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, cast members from Still Game, former X-Factor winner Leon Jackson and many personalities from Radio and Television. Guaranteed to be a star studded event.”
… you must realise that you’re having the piss taken out of you.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:38
@Fiona: Not really. The judges had no responsibility for choosing the shortlist we were played on the night, which as far as I am aware was comprised of submissions – which bands had to pay to be considered for, already limiting recognition to those who had self-identified.
@Melanie: My issue with the inclusion of a cover/function band category in an awards ceremony intending to “recognise new music” is as Andy says – what they do is not “new” music. Of course such acts deserve to be recognised, but I don’t think that the SNMA was the correct forum in which to do so. I agree that my comment about the Lady Gaga impersonator is… not unfair, but subjective, which isn’t what this post is supposed to be about so for that I apologise. However that is what I thought of the clip that I was played. The Robbie Williams impersonator was worse though.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:44
I cant believe i was hoodwinked into going along.
It was a shambles and any artist involved should be trying to distance themselves from it as we speak.
Sandi Thom, new music? She was dropped by a major label not so long ago and has a fan base already established who she offered free downloads and other goodies if they voted for her. Well as for me, as the song goes, “Wont get fooled again”.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:21
I totally agree with all the comments about covers bands/artists not representing new music. the event could have been the most disorganised shambles possible ( a lot of these things are) but the moment it lost complete credibility for me was as soon as the compere from Britain’s Got Talent started doing karaoke numbers. I could have died. Just abominable. I believe Celtic Radio cut the live feed at one point. In fairness to Leon Jackson however- the boy clearly is trying to distance himself from his X Factor past and is writing and performing his own music so I do not include him in this category. Some decent acts overshadowed by the karaoke nonsense.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:49
as quoted ”Not being as quick of the mark in writing this, I have already seen a couple of other reviews which are less than complimentary. I completely relished the whole tone of the evening, the diversity of performers helped to make people aware that there is much more happening than just what occurs within their preferred genres. Like it or not, there are many talented and determined young people who are keen to do their best in many different areas. One commentator wondered why there was an opera singer covering ‘Many Of Horror’; I would reply, “why not” – Nicola Cassells clearly has a powerful voice aand her rendition helps to prove the strength of Biffy Clyro’s song as it can be adapted to a completely different genre.”
think some of the things said have been very harsh and some people are forgetting that there was some talent. Minds should be broadened to the event as a whole not just the negatives.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:51
I was supposed to go along, but totally forgot. Consequently I have nothing to add, apart from how much I’ve enjoyed this hilarious writeup. Nice work old chap.
September 6th, 2011 at 13:04
I’m quite amused by all the above comments getting stuck into the show – I had genuinely expected it to be a whole lot worse! This is maybe because I had a lot of prior information – saw all the nomination lists, knew that the likes of Popcop (and others) had pulled out, or tried to, knew about the judges and that you had to pay to get nominated (for the bands categories), the whole thing getting downgraded from the Barras… plus I’d had contact with the organisers when they were trying to fill out their categories (any glaringly indie nominations in the industry list are my fault) and I had to help them out with stuff like contact details as they’d not heard of the 13th Note for instance… but ok, with the (too) broad range of categories it’s possible someone working there could be a traditional fan – I think what I’m saying is that after all this I was somehow still prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt but expected the very worst.
Hence me being pleasantly surprised to see Sanjeev presenting, and the likes of Des Clarke, The Wee Man, Quireboys (?) – whether they’re any good or not, they are still ‘names’.
The overall concept is the biggest problem I reckon, more than who the presenter is – is it ‘New’ music, or ‘independent’, is it a public vote or a cabal of old men in a smoky room voting for their personal favourites… and since any awards generate discussions like this one, is there any point to them at all?
September 6th, 2011 at 13:14
Seems like the biggest gripe is its ‘New Music’ label. If, instead, the organisers called them the Scottish ‘My Favourite Artists, Bands Local To Us and Token Big Names To Increase Publicity’ Music Awards, everyone would sleep happy.
Well, happier at least.
September 6th, 2011 at 13:15
Excellent reporting by the way. you’re writing style gives colour to the story. The above is too funny.
September 6th, 2011 at 13:25
Terrible mess, i wanted to leave but it became like a car crash..you just had to look upon the horror unfolding…I was gobsmacked at Thom winning artist of the year but on finding out Artists had to pay for nomination was less suprised her name was in the running.
September 6th, 2011 at 13:44
My friends’ band The Lorelei were nominated for two categories and I’m pretty sure didn’t have to pay for nommoes- they wouldn’t have done that. However they DID have to buy tickets to attend the event.
September 6th, 2011 at 13:50
Great Post:-) Keep them coming, what a joke the Scottish new music awards are!
September 6th, 2011 at 13:57
I was nominated for a category…I felt very flattered I had been nominated, as I certainly didn’t nominate myselt or want to attach my name to the event, especially once I saw all the other nominations…the industry one’s were fine, a few gripes but overall not too bad. The actual music one’s though…well everything i’d want to say has been said about it!
I never made the event (forgot about it) but i actually had been given tickets to go by the organisers, two infact and feel bad that people who wanted to go had to pay in!
Though, i’ve still to find out who won my category?? Graphic Designer one? Anyone know?
September 6th, 2011 at 14:23
This story and comments are very funny. Agree that it is a bit rich of the organisers to decide they were well placed to start an awards event of this type. I really think it will be packed next year if it goes ahead. The fact that they did not know about 13th note or how to pronounce the names of bands is hilarious. This said, glad I never had to endure that judging experience. All in all just a more extreme example of certain other awards and by the sound of it really badly organised. So wish I had been there but then it probably wouldn’t be as funny as it sounds. The arrogance of some people still surprises me. Good on the band that offered to play and shame on the karaoke stage hog. I know someone who was going and can’t wait to call him now to hear more.
September 6th, 2011 at 14:29
could be wrong, but think the album artwork went to Dougie MacLean while the poster art… I think it was maybe someone called Stephen White who was one of these people they were unable to get in touch with…
September 6th, 2011 at 15:14
Got nominated in one of the “best” categories and didnt pay or know anything about the nomination until we were contacted. Try and remember it was £10 to attend for non nominees, not the £100 plus for start studded events. It was also the first year. Did anyone really expect it to run smoothly?? Have been told several times to apply for Mercury but looking deeper it costs the applicant £100 per entry!!! Not to mention the fact that al the major awards are all handled by the same circles………..fair play to them for trying to provide an alternative to the corporate events closed to real “new music”. That said, a lot of the comments above are correct. It didn’t run very well and was not expertly executed. Give it several years. Though by then will it have been shot to pieces??
September 6th, 2011 at 15:38
we don’t need awards! if there’s ever been an aspect of art, music, books, etc. that has always brought it down, it’s the bloody award ceremonies. WE DON’T NEED THEM. if you’re really that blind and think when you win one of these awards that it REALLY means something, and you’ve been given a nod from high above, then just stop making music now. we don’t need awards, people strive to make great music all the time and we don’t need the SNMA to provoke that in us, quite the opposite.
September 6th, 2011 at 17:10
First off thanks for the support in your article, glad we took an awards regardless as Scottish hip-hop doesn’t get much of a shout… just had to comment on the pay thing… we certainly did NOT pay to get nominated and where given 5 free tickets. Just confirming that, that would be ridiculous if people paid for nomination. Peace
September 6th, 2011 at 17:28
I found an intriguing detail in the blurb on the event’s website:
“The nominees for The Scottish New Music Awards were released to the public on Friday April 1st…”
I wonder if the date’s important..
September 6th, 2011 at 17:28
I’ve tried to hold back on criticism because I know very little about the awards, but this seems to clarify pretty well all I feared about it.
Btw, I fucking love how there seems to be a sub culture in Scottish music of people who think the country’s ‘scene’ is some kind of totalitarian regime that they’re tackling. But I suppose say what you want about the organisation, this night certainly sounded like a dictator-toppling revolution.
Also Chris^^ is absolutely right. Art does not need awards. It’s not a competition.
September 6th, 2011 at 19:17
The Classic Grand is a great venue, I seriously hope it’s reputation isn’t sullied by this unpolished turd.
September 6th, 2011 at 20:02
“(any glaringly indie nominations in the industry list are my fault)”
Giving yourself a wee bit too much credit there, ‘S’
September 6th, 2011 at 20:41
“We are currently running 1 hour 20 minutes AHEAD of schedule”
This is just brilliant, quite brilliant.
September 6th, 2011 at 20:49
Given how quickly the presenters of this event tore through the proceedings, they might’ve been better off doing the 10k on Sunday instead. Just a suggestion.
September 6th, 2011 at 21:12
If you want to help musicians go to their gigs, pay your £5 on the door then if you’re really commited BUY THEIR MUSIC! I’ve had enough of playing for free or at best low quality continental lagers. As much talent (and mediocrity) as there is in Scotland most are doomed to unpaid novice status in perpetuity. It’s great being in a UNESCO city of music. Really.
September 6th, 2011 at 21:12
ok, ‘Rick’, maybe I should have said ‘many’. But on that tack, anyone amused by the massive ‘shortlists?
“Our process for deciding nominees was simple. We included all nominees who received more than one submission.”
September 6th, 2011 at 21:53
Borderline Collie: Seconded.
September 7th, 2011 at 02:57
Christ.
September 7th, 2011 at 11:10
I wish I could win an award! It would be so cool!
September 7th, 2011 at 11:12
Me too! I would be so lucky! Plus meeting Michelle would be brilliant!
September 7th, 2011 at 14:06
How easy it looks to submit negative and derogatory remarks and reviews, although those who attended are obviously entitled to their opinion, unfortunately sounding somewhat “up themselves” in sharing those opiniions. Those who neither want nor need awards – really? No recognition of their endeavours required,odd, just self-gratification? Very odd. There were too many categories and apparently the winners were not notified, hence the non-award collections.
The whole SNMA team worked incredibly hard before and during the event and deserve praise for this. Yes, it was a bit disorganised (unorganised??)and yes, Edward Reid is not the most famous compere to have but as someone said earlier, Scotland is not awash with those who dwell in fame and fortune. Also mentioned earlier, this was a first and lessons will have been learned, perhaps constructive critisism would be more helpful, or maybe that requires thought and care and seems to come less naturally to some than others.
September 7th, 2011 at 17:23
@Tati People complaining about Edward Reid has nothing to do with him not being that famous, it’s that he’s ‘some bloke from X factor’ and it’s hardly an association most folk involved in grassroots Scottish music are striving for. You can add Sandi Thom, Leon Jackson, and Lady Gaga impersonators to that list.
September 7th, 2011 at 18:20
Laura.
September 7th, 2011 at 20:01
Sandi Thom? why in gods name would she be receiving the artist of the year award?. How many votes did she actually receive from scots?
Considering the vast array of available Scottish artists much more deserving of this award just highlights the nonsensical system in which nominations were put forward.
September 8th, 2011 at 09:24
If it happens next year, god help the organisers. Does anyone know who the judges are? I had to google/youtube Edward Reid. Really wish I hadn’t. The whole event – just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
September 8th, 2011 at 09:32
Money. That’s all it was about. Instead of a ‘pay-to-play’ scam, someone thought they’d have themselves a ‘pay-to-win-a-meaningless-award’ event (hence the lack of any credible, hard-working Scottish acts) and probably walked away with a tidy little sum at the end of the night. Everyone was duped, it goes on every other night in Glasgow and all the bands who feel that playing, travelling and working hard isn’t enough to make something of themselves continue on deluded as usual. If Sandi Thom wasn’t an arsehead, she could have helped expose this for what it was. Instead, the very mention of the word “award” seems to have her dribbling. Idiot. I bet she did it for free as well. Haha!
September 8th, 2011 at 09:54
the thing is that music is always about opinions, so just because there were no credible indie acts doesn’t mean we’re right (although we are right).
BUT:
I was there and got a programme. It lists the judges, and as Lisa said it was all guys and I think, all pretty old guys – old school too, rockers. They all probably knew Tom Russell, Martin Kielty is Rock News Desk – fair enough, but they are not balanced out at all by Robert ‘Strawberry’ Fields, one guy who was in the Ian Gillan Band, a couple of other guys who are in function bands or involved with mainstream rock. and to make sure the man in the street is represented, someone from Real Radio.
there’s also a grand speil from the organising chap who talks about how a “well known music industry professional” spent an hour talking about himself and a second hour about why the event would fail. If that’s true (and I can well believe it) then I can see why he was determined to put the show on, so fair play to him.
but instead of ensuring that the dictatorship falls, he’s just starting up a brand new, invite-only, clique.
September 8th, 2011 at 11:20
Tati,
You’re clearly linked to the event in some way. Let me tell you why you’re an idiot.
“The whole SNMA team worked incredibly hard before and during the event and deserve praise for this.”
No they don’t. If they’d worked hard before and during the event it wouldn’t have been so bad. They organised a pile of turd that exploited musicians and music fans. They deserve to be banned from every venue in Scotland and forced to have their entire music collection taken off them and have it replaced with the back catalogue of Sandi Thom.
“Edward Reid is not the most famous compere to have but as someone said earlier, Scotland is not awash with those who dwell in fame and fortune.”
What you actually mean there is that he’s the only person the organisers could afford. And perhaps the only person willing to risk any professional credibility by supervising this arse of an event. Why do you need a famous compere? What does it add to the credibility of the event to have a famous compere? Why not have a knowledgeable compere? Or why not get someone who can compere to compere?
“Also mentioned earlier, this was a first and lessons will have been learned”
Yeah, but they probably won’t have will they? I mean, there’s a lot of incompetence here. If your event is running an hour and a half ahead of schedule and you have to beg your audience to fill in time then you’re probably not suited for a role in events organisation.
“perhaps constructive critisism would be more helpful, or maybe that requires thought and care and seems to come less naturally to some than others.”
Do you know what? Those of us who work and have dealings with the new and alternative music scene in Scotland are exceptionally passionate about it; so when someone comes along and fucks it over for their own financial or egotistical gain then they deserve to be called out for the morally bankrupt scum that they are.
September 8th, 2011 at 13:09
Andy… good god man that reply is awesome.
September 8th, 2011 at 13:16
For Andy;- I am not linked in any way with the event but I was present. Nor, generally speaking, at least no more than the next man,for example yourself, an idiot. I could have been offended, wounded, or, mayhap, cut to the quick by your rather blunt and unkind description of me, however, as I (happily) don’t know you from Adam, I shall treat your rather personal remark with the absolute indifference that it inspires.
The SNMA team WAS working hard on the evening in question but is almot certainly not responsible for the organisation or disorganisated that actually ensued.
I believe that lessons will have been learned and would highlight that a well known compere would be much more likely to draw ticket sales helping toward the success of the event than someone who is known by you and your ilk as being a competent compere; perhaps you will not ind your niche in events organisation, either.
I have to question, just how do you know that the event was laid on just for financial or egotistical gain?
Now that, thanks to your your final paragraph, I have been advised “what” – I haven’t changed my overall opinion of the event one jot. Not one. I am allowed my opinion – without being called an idiot – just as you are allowed yours.
One would expect the passion you have for the new and alternative music scene in Scotland to be channelled, perhaps, to better use, in righting what you see as wrong and continuing to do the very best you can for what you believe in – rather than panning something about which you know not too much, or directing petty, puerile jibes at those who have the audacity to have an opinion that differs from yours.
Where does all the contempt and vitriol stem from? It’s a huge waste of energy and no skill is required in tearing apart that which has not best pleased you.
If that is the attitude that governs the new and alternative music scene in Scotland today, it is a sad and sorry time for the industry.
September 8th, 2011 at 13:41
andy, that was poetic…
September 8th, 2011 at 13:59
My mistake, anon is obviously me. Poetic and awesome to some, Andy may well be, however, as I SHOULD have replied, “get over yourself, man”.
September 8th, 2011 at 15:09
“The SNMA team WAS working hard on the evening in question but is almot certainly not responsible for the organisation or disorganisated that actually ensued.”
Sorry Tati, but when someone puts on an event of any kind the are responsible the organisation or disorganisated. Other things can throw spanners into the works, but (bring on the clichés) at the end of the day the busk stops with the promoter.
September 8th, 2011 at 15:10
Buck dammit, BUCK. There should have been a best busker category though.
September 8th, 2011 at 15:26
Tati- No-one came along because Edward Reid was compering. With the exception of maybe some of his mates who got free tickets. An event like this needs a compere who was just that- a compere- famous or no- NOT someone willing to grab the mic and do bar room karaoke every time there was a lull in the proceedings. Secondly the event organisers ARE responsible for the even being shambolic- who else is- God?
So here’s some constructive criticism. Next year, here’s what I would suggest:
-No covers acts
-No established acts that have been going for donkey’s years
-No TV talent show acts
-A credible/competent compere
-Nominees and winners notified well in advance
-A credible judging panel made up of people with a stake in new Scottish music and not someone’s cronies
Constructive enough?
September 8th, 2011 at 15:28
Haha! Nice one Jim! Nice to see someone else who could do with a “preview” facility! All I am saying is that the people that I saw working that evening, on behalf of SNMA, the organiser, were working hard and doing their utmost to make running repairs. Bless them, I’m sure if they read this thread, they’ll rather wish they hadn’t been involved. The buck stops with the organisers, not the team on the ground. They were only doing their job.
September 8th, 2011 at 15:33
i think metal-tek are serious contenders for the eurovision song contest. they are actually really good at what they do despite it being wrong on every level
September 8th, 2011 at 15:36
@ Misssy M :- Yes, that is much more constructive and therefore much more likely to be taken on board, I would have thought. I fail to see the need to throw it like a gauntlet, though.
I have not said that the organisers were not responsible, rather, that the people working against considerable odds that evening were only doing their job and they were not responsible, the organisers, clearly, are.
September 8th, 2011 at 15:50
Not gauntlet throwing at all- genuine constructive criticism. I was really looking forward to Sunday night and wanted it to be great. It wasn’t- we were disappointed- we came a long way and on a work night too! If it does happen next year I would be delighted to be proved wrong about the professionalism and worthwhile nature of these awards. Absolutely delighted.
September 8th, 2011 at 15:59
I, also travelled, some 300 miles in fact, with considerable anticipation too and was a bit disappointed in the actual event. I hope that your genuine constructive critisism, whihc is always a good thing, reaches the eyes of the organisers.
September 8th, 2011 at 16:49
I am so glad these awards happened. If they didn’t, this thread wouldn’t exist, and I would have laughed a lot less all week.
Coming from someone who was asked at the very beginning to be involved (I put gigs and stuff on), I immediately didn’t want to be on board. I didn’t know the guys, they didn’t seem to know what was happening in Scotland in terms of new music, and I just didn’t see what these awards were going to offer the bands, artist and the music scene on the whole, apart from – at the very best – a drunken night of back slapping, with the organisers taking home a tidy profit, and the bands getting a bit of a profile boost.
As it happens, the very best obviously didn’t happen – mainly I think because they didn’t get the right people on board. On a personal note – I just don’t think you can walk into a scene, not know anyone, not make any friends, and put on an event like this. You need to a) know what’s going on, b) know who to turn to in order to make it work, and c) be able to approach those people – make friends with them, don’t just send them an email with a grand plan.
Andy is spot on in all his criticism – the whole thing is just a money making scheme. I have nothing against making money, and an event like this could be run successfully and make money, but it should come from ‘within’ the scene. As it appears to me, these guys are very outwith any scene; have an idea to run an event, email the people you think would make it work, run it, make money. Instead of musicians and promoters getting together, being creative, helping each other out, and the event happening.
Fuck knows what I’m talking about, I am quite hungover. But basically in no way was this event ‘organic’ and part of the incredible music scene in Scotland right now – rather it was a charlatan’s attempt to parasitically make money from it without ever adding anything to it.
September 8th, 2011 at 17:07
Also – one email I got just sums this whole kaboodle up for me. A few months ago I got an email from the organisers, as part of the mailing list. It was titled
‘Its Going To Be A “GRAND” Affair’ – first off, I am not coming to your night if you don’t know how to use a fucking apostrophe.
The email announced
“The Scottish New Music Awards are pleased to announce that the 2011 Scottish New Music Awards and Scottish Music Industry Awards will be held on Sunday September 4th 2011 at 7:00pm at the Classic Grand venue located at 18 Jamaica Street in Glasgow.”
That’s fair enough – although that’s the same venue as the Scottish Alternative New Music Awards that were held a few months before. But anyway, we were then treated to this opening gambit;
“To be honest with you, there has been some negativity surrounding our event, and the costs to put on the show at a couple of the venues we were looking at were into the tens of thousands,“ says Bruce Hotchkies, director of The Scottish New Music Awards, “we are not government funded, this is a completely private venture, set up to promote the new music of Scotland, and there was the very real possibility that we were going to have to pull the event.”
Amazing! They started a press release with a piece about the negative press they’ve been getting! They already sound like they’ve given up. Why in the name of fuck would I want to attend, let alone be involved with, an event that has just told everyone that it might not happen, because of negative press?! I mean fuck sake. No surprises at all that it was an utter cluster fuck.
September 10th, 2011 at 09:07
“first off, I am not coming to your night if you don’t know how to use a fucking apostrophe”
I am surprised anybody invites you anywhere unclefrank.
“I immediately didn’t want to be on board. I didn’t know the guys,”
You do seem awfully upset about something that didnt involve you.
September 10th, 2011 at 09:52
Your last line could well be summing it all up perfectly, Auntie.
September 12th, 2011 at 00:52
well to be quite honest, all the negative vibes about this event arent very supportive of the scottish music scene. scottish music should be about celebrating together as a country all different styles. Yes the awards werent organised very well at all but the way some of you are carrying on there wont be another award show recognising scottish talent the right way. Be more supportive of your country and stop trying so hard to be the supercool glasgow music fans (even though all your doing is slating people). I did find it strange that they called it the new music awards and had a category for cover/tribute acts and as people of said, thats obviously not new music, doesnt take a genious to work that one out so you havent made yourself look smart by having a jibe at those people. to be honest you have made yourself look silly because it was not down to those acts that got nominated for an award, that was the organiser. I also have to agree with melanie that the lady gaga impersonator who was nominated is absoloutely amazing and the michael buble tribute has worked very hard at his act and have seen him quite afew times at different events. Everyone is entitle to an opinion. Also there is room in the music industry for everyone, why shouldnt leon jackson have been there or sandi thom. Wether you people like it or not, no matter how they have done it, they have a talent and have worked at it so stop being so bloody childish and narrow-minded. Theres room for everyone in the music industry and in scotland, we have lots of talented musicians in different genres, not just new indie rock bands (who pretty much all sound and look the same).
September 12th, 2011 at 13:44
Auntie
“You do seem awfully upset about something that didnt involve you.”
You didn’t use an apostrophe, so you can fuck off.
David m
The negative vibes are about the awards being shite. I think music would be supported far better by putting on gigs, writing blogs, helping bands out with stuff, and generally promoting new music – like most people here do – rather than trying to put on a shite awards that is only there to make money.
This website, and the people who read and comment, is here because it’s supporting new music. There doesn’t need to be a phoney awards with Sandi fucking Thom and X-Factor rejects. Music thrives in a community, not PR driven bollocks like the Scottish New Music Awards.
September 12th, 2011 at 13:46
Auntie – I just want to make clear it wasn’t about being involved or not. I was ASKED to be involved. I could have been. But I decided not to, because the people who were asking were just names – I had never heard of them, never heard from them before, and had no idea what they were about.
September 14th, 2011 at 01:54
And the award for worst awards ceremony goes to The SNMA. Is BH here to accept the award? No he’s scarpered.
Great piece and I’m with Andy & UncleFrank. UF would certainly be welcome in my company.
September 16th, 2011 at 14:21
””…..;;;;;????!!!! for when Uncle Frank’s in your company, you may need these’ he has been known to tell people to “fuck off”, for the cardinal sin of failing to use an apostrophe properly. Bit strong, what, what!!
September 20th, 2011 at 11:52
Don’t worry “R” – I’m here…
September 21st, 2011 at 23:32
I had an email a few months prior to this sham, and in that email they were asking for nominations. Once you had made the nominations you had to pay a fee of something like £15
I’m pretty sure it’s the same lot.
I’m going to find that email.
September 21st, 2011 at 23:51
Well I couldn’t find it, however a quick look on their website turn’s up this little delight…
http://www.scotmusicawards.co.uk/forms/Nomination-Submission-Procedures.pdf
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